MAC KIRK

Palms or Passion?” Mark 11:1-11; 14:1-15:47 “Dearly Beloved, the Solemnity of the Lord’s Passion is come; that day which we have so desired, and which same is precious to the whole world. …even though it be hard to preach often on the same solemnity Beloved, the Solemnity of the Lord’s Passion is come; that day which we have so desired, and which same is precious to the whole world. …even though it be hard to preach often on the same solemnity, and do so meekly and well, a priest (presbyter) is not free to shirk the duty of preaching to the faithful concerning this so great mystery of divine mercy.” The Anglican Breviary, p. 503 The scenes of this Holy week are familiar to most of us. We read the account of the palms thrown in the path of Jesus as he rode the colt into the city of Jerusalem. The people said, “Hosanna : Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” 11:9 It was a triumphal entry but without the next readings we will not know the purpose of this week. It is ...

“ Seeing Jesus-not always what we expect” John 12:20-33 The week was one of sorrow and new understanding for some of the disciples. It was the time of sorrow because Jesus was on His way to the Cross. The Church calls this passiontide, once this was Passion Sunday and it some senses that is still a good term. The Greeks came to see Jesus. They represent all of us who are the nations. Not just for the people of the Jews did He come, but Jesus came for all people. These Greeks , God-fearers were attracted to the Jewish faith for its belief in one God and its system of teaching and morality. There were others as well. Remember the magi at the manger? Also do you remember the Gentile captain at Capernaum and the Canaanite woman ? Also in the Old Testament we recall Melchizedek in Genesis, Ruth, Job, Naaman the Syrian, and the queen of Sheba. They represent us all outside of the nation of the Jews who God calls to Himself. They had come to worship at the feast but also wished...

“ Better of Bitter? Grace makes it all Better.” Numbers 21:4-9; Ephesians 2:1-10; Jn 3:14-21 Impatience , murmuring, discouragement, complaining are the setting of the Scripture today from Numbers. The people forgot their deliverance. “ And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites and their cities” 21:3 What are you and I discouraged about? We could make a list but you already know what is causing you to doubt the faith and the actions of God. Have you ever heard of the expression “hurry up and wait?” I remember how we were all directed by the company commander to get our vehicles in line. This was early in morning . I was taking my time because it was dark and there did not seem to be any rush to me at least. Then I got yelled at by the Commander. So I got my vehicle in line post haste ; then we sat there for two hours.” Hurry up and wait!” It is a fine line between stress of life, impatience and doubt to lack of faith and spiritual de...

Exodus 20:1-17 Third Sunday in Lent Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22 What is the church exactly? What is this place where we come every Sunday to bring our concerns, to worship, to share our joys and sorrows? We would say a community of faith where Jesus is the Head. It is His body and we are His followers. There are laws which we read a few minutes ago which form the background of its laws, the so-called moral law of God which is binding and gives us form in our lives here now and for eternity. In the lessons we see some talk of that. Why come ? We come because in community we share the body of Christ together. We are its members. All week long I have been thinking of that . I like what a writer on a book on retreats said about community: “ one of the most powerful things community brings to individuals is courage---courage to be and do things we would never think of doing alone.” Seeking God Alone Together by Linus Mundy. There is...

Mark 8:31-38 Communion Meditation, 2nd Sunday in Lent “Facing Christ When We are Without Excuse” I heard a story this week about that the current Cardinal of New York shared . He was talking with some of the seminarians from time to time about things he had seen or others had seen. in their behavior. When he called to talk with them he said that nine out of ten had not listened to his concerns but tried to justify their actions. There was one though who listened and was the better for it. When Peter spoke glowingly of Jesus as the “ Christ” there was no rebuke. But when Jesus spoke of what was coming, the Cross, death and rejection, Peter began to rebuke Jesus. Here now there was a rebuke for Peter, “ Get behind me Satan, for you savor not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” One of the commentators said that not even such a rebuke Jesus gave to the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. We are not told here that Peter got it. But if we read the rest ...